Chicago vs Des Plaines: Sterile Processing Technician Salary (2026)
Compare sterile processing technician salaries between Chicago, IL and Des Plaines, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Des Plaines, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,655▲ | $41,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.39▲ | $20.02 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,481▲ | $32,034 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,874▲ | $33,706 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,399▲ | $50,801 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,276▲ | $60,213 |
| Total Employed | 2,140▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for sterile processing technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Des Plaines.
The salary gap between Chicago and Des Plaines is $7,020 (16.86%). Chicago's median is +1.95% compared to the US national median of $47,724.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $31,795,Des Plaines spans $28,179. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($46,967 effective) pays 9.53% more than Des Plaines ($42,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,655/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($71,276)
- ✓Larger job market (2,140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,967)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Des Plaines if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, sterile processing technician salaries in Chicago grew 17.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.5% growth in Des Plaines over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$39,720 (2019) → $46,685 (2025)
Des Plaines, IL
$43,181 (2024) → $39,949 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Des Plaines, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays sterile processing technicians more: Chicago or Des Plaines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Des Plaines?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Des Plaines as a sterile processing technician?
What do entry-level sterile processing technicians earn in Chicago vs Des Plaines?
Related Comparisons
Written by Amina Patel, CCSVP
Career Analyst
Amina has 8 years of experience in sterile processing. She specialized in instrument sterilization techniques in a large hospital. Amina analyzes career trends for sterile processing technicians.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.22% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, CCSVP, a licensed sterile processing technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov